Are You Really Hungry?

Have you noticed that when food temptations strike, it commonly has more to do with your mood than when you last ate?

Often we find ourselves reaching to the fridge to pass the time, or to distract us from something else. So how do we know if we’re actually hungry?

Check the clock – When was the last time you actually ate? Hunger cycles tend to peak every 90 minutes, so try to pass through the next cycle and eat every three or four hours.
Listen for the grumble – A growling, grumbling stomach is usually a good sign that it’s time to refuel. But make sure you’re not mistaking an empty growl for the growl of your food being digested.
A slow build-up – Genuine hunger builds up over a period of time, whereas emotional hunger can come over more suddenly. Try to take note of when you start to feel hungry and see if you can notice the difference.
Low energy? – If you’re beginning to lack energy, feel weak and shaky, this is often a good sign that it’s time to eat some food. Similarly a change in mood can also mean that you’re in a need of a pick-me-up.
Wait 15 minutes – Many of the above symptoms will become more apparent if you are actually really hungry. By waiting an extra few minutes, you can track any change and decide whether you are actually hungry, or not.